HER BIRTHDAY THEME

"Garden theme."

"Rejected. We did that once. The castle is a jungle already."

"Vintage?"

"Rejected. I'm not an old fashion, even father will reject that."

"Classic."

"Rejected. It's boring."

"Circus?"

"Rejected. I'm not a clown."

"One more rejection and I swear you're going to celebrate at the dumpsite. One-of-a-kind with a low-cost budget." I fixed my gaze on Camilla, who appeared to be already enraged. Her expression is entertaining!

"I have something in mind, do you care if I share it to you?" I remember back then, the theme was just simply a royal ball. I can't even stand the lights as it's too bright when I'm supposed to be the star who shines the most.

I mean, why not? My birthday celebrations were supposed to be organized JUST FOR ME, not for other people. After all, I'm the crème of the crop. But, if I had to choose an ideal birthday, it would be...

"A Thrilling Theme." She tilted her head while her brows furrow. Her gaze appears to be perplexed as soon as she heard my suggestions.

"Then, let me explain. As you can see, my father is useless." What's new? It's not like he will wake up one day and starts to move his ass like a new compassionate Emperor. That's quite suspicious if that ever happens.

"Criminal cases are increasing in this Empire, Camilla. Just like what you have witnessed in the capital on the other day. I also noticed some wanted posters on every corner of the street. Dead or Alive that doesn't cost much reward. Perhaps, no one's interested since it doesn't cost much money. It will be a waste to kill those criminals. Therefore, I will reward anyone who can bring those people in my birthday."

"In short, the present that I want for that day are those criminals who are on the watchlist. It's the equivalent of slaying two birds with one stone. Of course, I will reward the individual or people who can bring the criminals on my birthday. For the sum of one hundred million dollars in gold. And the perpetrators shall be judged in accordance of the Imperial decree." I'm clever, don't you think so?

Beg to differ and I'll hold you under water until the bubbles stop.

"What will happen to those people?" Bet she's curious about it. She should be. After all, I'm not the kind of person who will spill the tea that easily. "As you said, please look forward to that day." I stand up as I ring the bell. Serina and the other maids came as they bow in chorus.

"What a nice sight. But please tell my father to come at the main hall. I have something to discuss with him." Maids are among the Empire's most chatty citizens.

And so, I'm planning to use them to spread the rumors about my upcoming birthday. Serina excused herself once again as she leaves. I kind of pity my maid since I've been relying to her ever since she came into the palace.

Perhaps, I should give her a break after my birthday, that is. "Don't just sit there and waste your time on thinking. I have to introduce you to someone." She looks at me with a puzzled expression. Why do her eyes seem to be asking every time I speak?

"It's normal to introduce you to a friend. You might as well remember her name as she's going to benefit us in the future." I'm not saying that I'm using Luna. Perhaps, I'm that kind of person who can't really spout good things as I only acknowledge them as an acquaintance.

"Is that the Archduke's daughter?" It feels like, she knows more things about me. "Did I ever mention her name in front of you?" She shook her head while her gaze was fixed on me.

"But the rumors are like a virus, it spreads quickly like an infection." Why do I feel like she's speaking another alien language?

"Virus?" What does it even means? "In simple term, a virus is an infectious disease that spreads rapidly. Like a flu. Therefore, I found rumors kinda similar to virus." Is it just me or I don't get anything in her explanations?

"I just read that on a book back in our manor. I just found it interesting."

"You must be a book worm." She stares up at the ceiling while stretching her arms. "Not really. It's just.." Camilla stops as she shuts her eyes for a few moments before she stays quiet. Perhaps, that's not something that I should dive too deep.

I stand up. "It's best to see father right now. The earlier we discuss about this, the more it'll spread quickly, just like a virus, right?" She chuckles as she gets up, shaking the dust off in her dress.

I feel like I shouldn't force someone to speak when they're uncomfortable with it.

"Can you take me to the library after this?" She asked as we walked down the corridor. And there she goes, telling me she's not a bookworm.

"Then I'll accompany you, but I can't stay for long as I'm going to visit the knights-in-training. Will that be alright with you?" She returns her gaze to the corridor after giving me a modest nod.

As we enter the main hall, guards yelled our name and they seem to be loud as ever. One more direct yell in my ears and I'll make sure to cut their tongue without hesitations.

..

Of course, if I cut their tongue, another set of guards will yell after. It's an endless recycle. USELESS.

We both curtsied as soon as my father raised his hand. "Raise your heads. Hel, you rarely request for my presence. I wonder what this might be? Is it a marriage?" What is he even thinking?

"Not a marriage, father." In fact, it's too early for the both of us. We just barely met and I'm just starting to judge her little by little. Although, I can't deny that I have a soft spot when it comes to her.

"Then what is it?" I clear my throat as I stand up with confidence. AS I SHOULD. "I would like to discuss about my upcoming birthday, father." He sat on his throne as he seems to be interested.

"The theme is Finding Criminals."